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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Much Ado about Nothing (not about the play) (07/28/11)
Boorowa, New South Wales
takes the prize
as having, the most
nothing
that I have ever seen
in one place, at one time

Newly-weds
together exploring life
exploring each other
and exploring God
living in a pup-tent
under tired sheoaks
and ragged, thirsty gum-trees
basting in the relentless Australian sun

Planting grape vines
in never-ending, fly-blown
dusty, sticky rows
drinking hot water
eating hot sandwiches

Rest day Sunday
Anglican church
hymns and hallelujahs
nasally locals
cooing over tired Kiwis

Pub grub supper
Court House Hotel
under colonial porches
with beer-bellied men
and tick tickling dogs

First Christmas together
two-inch Christmas tree
gagging in the back of our tent
empty air-conditioned restaurant
Chinese food, outback style
street party
searching for traditions
that were being played out by family
in another country

Oh Boorowa, New South Wales
sweet little nothing Boorowa
steadily running from my memory banks
thanks for the experience,
the sun and the tired sheoaks.
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This article has been read 1594 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Linda Goergen
08/05/11
I like how you contrast a place with so much “nothing” with having so much emotion and memories for you. You have encapsulated so much detail in so little space! Very vivid and beautifully written!
Lillian Rhoades 
08/06/11
I like your subtle satire about "nothing". It does show that maybe, just maybe, you CAN get something from nothing.:-) Well appointed "scenic" imagery. I felt as if I were there.

Noel Mitaxa 
08/07/11
Though I've never been to Boorowa ("Neither Boorowa nor lender be???") you have caught the atmosphere that so many Australian country towns exude on a first impression. Well done.
Noel Mitaxa 
08/07/11
Though I've never been to Boorowa ("Neither Boorowa nor lender be???") you have caught the atmosphere that so many Australian country towns exude on a first impression. Well done.
Colin Swann
08/07/11
Wow! This is absolutely great. Loved your portrayal of life in the raw!
Jacky Hughes
08/08/11
I like this poem and the images it conjures up. I want to go and do all the things that happen in the poem and found it really fired my imagination even if I have no idea what a Sheoak looks like!
Joe Moreland
08/09/11
Great job with the imagery, you really did transport us there...so much so that I actually felt like I was in west Texas. I hope you don't mind if it doesn't have the allure for me that some of the other readers have expressed...I've had my fill of 108 (fahrenheit) days and don't want to drink any more hot water from a well. Thanks anyway!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
08/09/11
This is a poem to savor and remember. Well done.
Linda Goergen
08/11/11
I loved the imagery in this wonderful poem and am happy for your well deserved HC award!
Noel Mitaxa 
08/11/11
I never realised that I'd commented twice - and shown no greater understanding the second time! But congratulations on your commendation.
sethabela l JACOB
08/16/11
kep your writings this good and maybe you might just be tracked and hired